An 80-year-old pilot’s day turned disastrous when his glider hit treetops in south Wales, leaving him seriously injured. This dramatic incident took place at the South Wales Gliding Club near Usk last August. After taking off, the glider unexpectedly deployed its airbrakes due to a technical oversight, creating a precarious situation that forced the pilot to attempt an emergency landing.
According to the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), the airbrake handle had become unlocked during a minor cockpit adjustment earlier in the day. This went unnoticed, and during the winch launch, the brakes deployed, drastically reducing airspeed and causing the glider to sink. The pilot’s efforts to return to the airfield were futile as he could not avoid a row of trees, leading to the crash 15 feet above ground.
The incident unfolded despite a careful pre-flight routine. Before the takeoff, some issues arose when an inexperienced ground assistant encountered difficulties engaging the launch cable properly. As a precaution, the pilot inspected the glider for potential damage near its hook but failed to notice the airbrake lever was unlocked, a critical oversight that played a major role in the crash.
Upon takeoff, the compromised handle moved, activating the airbrakes during launch. The sudden drop in speed left the pilot with little choice but to attempt an emergency landing. Sadly, the dense treetops brought the flight to a tragic halt.
A lesson from this event is a reminder of the importance of thorough pre-flight checks and how a small oversight can lead to significant consequences. Keep following for more updates and stay safe, aviators!